High Precision Coulometric Titration of Uranium.

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Electrochemistry
• Nuclear Chemistry

Background:

• Accurate quantification of uranium and uranium oxides is essential for nuclear fuel cycle management and environmental monitoring.
• Existing analytical methods may suffer from interferences or lack the required precision for critical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an improved coulometric assay method for uranium and uranium oxide.
• To enhance the precision and reliability of uranium quantification in various forms.

Main Methods:

• Electrogeneration of titanium(III) in sulfuric acid solution using iron(II) as a catalyst.
• Amperometric determination of the titration endpoint.
• Utilizing hydrogen peroxide for uranium dissolution to prevent nitrate interferences.

Main Results:

• The developed method demonstrates high precision for uranium and uranium oxide analysis.
• Standard deviation of individual observations ranged from 0.008 weight percent for metal to 0.02 weight percent for oxides.
• The use of hydrogen peroxide effectively mitigated interferences from nitrate ions.

Conclusions:

• The improved coulometric assay method provides a precise and reliable technique for uranium quantification.
• This method is suitable for the accurate analysis of both uranium metal and uranium oxides.
• The approach minimizes common interferences, enhancing its applicability in nuclear material analysis.